Trip Extensions

Taller than Niagara Falls and twice as wide, with 275 cascades spread in a horsehoe shape over nearly two miles of the Iguazu River, Iguazu Falls are the result of a volcanic eruption which left yet another large crack in the earth.
These matter-of-... read more

Trip Categories

Day 1: sao paulo / paraty

Arrive at São Paulo airport and transfer to Paraty with your guide (5- 6 hours). Paraty, a World Heritage Site, is a beautiful colonial city that was first settled by the Portuguese in 1667. In the eighteenth century it was an important port through which gold and precious stones were taken from the Gerais mines to be shipped to Portugal. However constant assaults from pirates, who took refuge in nearby beaches, forced traders to change the gold route, thereby leaving the city in economic isolation. Today, Paraty is a peaceful hideaway with secluded beaches and its natural and architectural charm is well preserved as you'll notice walking through the historic center. The construction of its houses and churches reflect a period style and the mysterious masonry symbols which decorate its walls will lead your imagination back to a different time.

Lodging

Pousada de Marquesa or similar

Day 2: paraty historical tour

After a delicious breakfast, depart with your guide for a historical and cultural tour of the town. Unlike other colonial cities, the architecture of Paraty has character, originality and definition. The buildings have simple lines that draw the eye but the color and textures will tell the story of it's natural beauty. Paraty is also a Historic Patrimony because 65% of its area is inside of the National Park of Serra da Bocaina. The rest of the day is at leisure.

Meals

Breakfast

Lodging

Pousada de Marquesa or similar

Day 3: paraty / ilha grande

Abraao Village

This morning you'll make your way to Ilha Grande by starting at the Angra dos Reis Pier and taking the ferry to Ilha Grande up to Abraão Village. (drive time to pier is approx 2 1/2 hrs. The driver will provide your ferry tickets) Upon arrival in Ilha Grande, you'll be met by your guide and walk about 10 minutes to the lodge. Settle in and enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure.

Meals

Breakfast

Lodging

Pousada Tagomago or similar

Day 4: beaches of ilha grande

One of the beautiful sites in Ilha Grande

Have breakfast and depart on a boat tour with your guide to the Blue Lagoon. Here you will find beautiful spots which preserve the islands natural environment. The boat will stop in a lagoon between two islands that is graced with shallow clear waters, where you will find starfish and colorful fish that feed from your hands as you swim among the coral beds. The tour will continue with a stop at Freguesia de Santana Beach, where you will visit two outstanding beaches as well as the historic Santana Church (founded in 1796). Freguesia de Santana was the first spot in the island to be populated. In the last century it was the center of economic growth in the island and was home to a large colony of slaves. You will follow with a stop at Japariz Beach where you will have a break for lunch (not included). Return to the pier and your hotel for the rest of the day.

Meals

Breakfast

Lodging

Pousada Tagomago or similar

Day 5: ihla grande/rio de janeiro

Enjoy Rio's colorful atmosphere

After breakfast, meet at the pier to take the ferry back to Angra dos Reis and then transfer to Rio de Janeiro. Originally established by the Portuguese in 1560 as a small, fortified settlement on the western side of Rio de Janeiro Bay, Rio's name means "River of January," a reference to the month it was founded. Enjoy your stay in this beautiful city.

Meals

Breakfast

Lodging

Hotel Porto Bay Copacabana or similar

Day 6: corcovado and sugar loaf

Sugar Loaf offers amazing views

After an early breakfast at the hotel, begin a full, carefully-paced, thoroughly informative tour of Rio. Stop first at Tijuca National Park, the largest urban forest on earth, continue to nearby Christ the Redeemer statue on Corcovado Mountain, and then to Sugar Loaf, the impressive granite rock "mountain" (made famous by James Bond.) Ride the cable car to the top, 400 meters above the city, with breathtaking views of Guanabara Bay, the city skyline and the mountains beyond.

Meals

Breakfast

Lodging

Hotel Porto Bay Copacabana or similar

Day 7: leisure day

The contrasts in Rio are worth visiting

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast, and enjoy a last day in Rio. Explore some more, return to where you wanted to spend more time, do a little last minute souvenir shopping, or head to the beach to soak up the sun, surf and do some people watching. It doesn't get any better than Rio!

Meals

Breakfast

Lodging

Hotel Porto Bay Copacabana or similar

Day 8: rio de janeiro / onward

Have breakfast, check-out and transfer to airport in time for your homebound flight, or extend your time in Iguazu or the Pantanal.

Meals

Breakfast

Price and Date Details

Land Cost:

From

$2,950

The cost quoted is the Land Cost and is subject to change. This covers accommodations, transfers, activities, touring, guide services and meals as described in Journeys' Trip Notes. The quoted Land Cost will apply when group size falls in the specified range and when travel is on the indicated dates.

Single Supplement:

$1,000

The single supplement is applicable if a roommate is not available or if single accommodation is specifically requested. While single accommodation is not available on all trips, we will try and honor this request whenever possible.

Dates:

Custom & private on your dates

Need to Know

Duration:

8 days

The number of days, or duration, in a destination corresponds with the itinerary as published. This is the time period covered by the land cost.

Expenses covered

Normally, our stated land costs include the cost of all guides, leaders, permits obtained after arrival, lodging accommodations, food and entry fees as specified, and all surface transportation associated with the planned itinerary. We do our best to avoid increasing prices after receipt of your deposit, but, rarely, factors beyond our control might require us to change our prices without prior notice, even after you have signed up.

Expenses not covered

Costs not included in the price may include: meals not indicated as included in itineraries; meals prior to arrival in starting cities; transfers, if not arriving or departing on the scheduled group flights; soft drinks, bottled water, and alcoholic beverages; medical expenses, costs of hospitalization, or evacuation from remote areas; laundry; airport departure taxes not included on your airline ticket; accommodations en route to starting cities; visas; airfares; gratuities; and insurance.

Pricing and Payment

For most group departures, the booking deposit is $500 per person per trip, though for some trips it may be more, as noted in the trip description. The minimum booking deposit requirement for custom trips is $800 per person, and this deposit is non-refundable. A trip-planning fee of $250 per itinerary is also charged to cover costs of preparing itinerary proposals for custom trips. This fee is credited to the cost of the trip, but is nonrefundable if you do not take the trip. Custom travel during holiday seasons may require a deposit prior to trip confirmation.

For both group departures and custom trips, a second deposit of $1,000 per person is due 120 days prior to departure or at the time of booking for reservations made fewer than 120 days before departure. The balance as shown on your invoice is due 60 days prior to departure regardless of whether extensions or other arrangements are pending. Late payments may jeopardize confirmation of your itinerary and in some cases may result in additional fees. If we have not received final payment 30 days prior to departure your reservation may be canceled and subject to our Cancellation & Refund Policy stated in the complete Terms & Conditions.

We accept payments by Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or check drawn on a U.S. bank account. Payment for airfare is required at the time of ticketing. Discounts that may be available for some trips are not available toward bookings made through travel agencies.​

Airfare

We can help you secure air travel arrangements to correspond with land travel booked through Journeys International. We work with an airfare consolidator to assist in booking the flights that suit your needs. If you decide to make your own flight arrangements, you must provide Journeys International with a complete copy of your itinerary showing departure and arrival flights and times. You should plan to arrange your own air travel if you are using mileage credit or originating outside North America, but please be in touch with our office before you finalize ticketing so that we can help you to coordinate the correct arrival and departure dates and times.

Insurance

When you make your application, we strongly recommend the purchase of comprehensive travel insurance in case of emergency situations. Please contact us for a recommended policy.

Itinerary Change Fee

There will be a $40 fee for changes once an itinerary has been confirmed and approved. Additional cancellation penalties or change fees may apply as per our terms and conditions. The passenger is responsible for such fees.

From the Bird's Word Blog

August 17, 2017Journeys International Announces New Trips for 2018

The year was 1978, and Drs. Will and Joan Weber set off to Nepal with a group of curious souls who wanted to be immersed in and enlightened by a different culture in a very different part …

Best Time To Visit

overview

This Brazilian adventure explores Paraty, Ilha Grande and Rio de Janeiro in detail. You will minimize the tedium of domestic Brazil air travel but still sample the finest of Brazil's modern and traditional culture, colonial history and fabled Atlantic island beaches. Arriving in Sao Paulo you will transfer immediately to the colonial coastal city of Paraty, a favorite site of many visitors and the Bazilians themselves. Continue up the coast to your ferry transfer out to the idyllic Ilha Grande in the Atlantic and your beachside accommodations with ample fine food and recreational options. Finally, get to know Rio and her famous landmarks, Sugar Loaf and Copacabana.

overview

This Brazilian adventure explores Paraty, Ilha Grande and Rio de Janeiro in detail. You will minimize the tedium of domestic Brazil air travel but still sample the finest of Brazil's modern and traditional culture, colonial history and fabled Atlantic island beaches. Arriving in Sao Paulo you will transfer immediately to the colonial coastal city of Paraty, a favorite site of many visitors and the Bazilians themselves. Continue up the coast to your ferry transfer out to the idyllic Ilha Grande in the Atlantic and your beachside accommodations with ample fine food and recreational options. Finally, get to know Rio and her famous landmarks, Sugar Loaf and Copacabana.

itinerary

Arrive at São Paulo airport and transfer to Paraty with your guide (5- 6 hours). Paraty, a World Heritage Site, is a beautiful colonial city that was first settled by the Portuguese in 1667. In the eighteenth century it was an important port through which gold and precious stones were taken from the Gerais mines to be shipped to Portugal. However constant assaults from pirates, who took refuge in nearby beaches, forced traders to change the gold route, thereby leaving the city in economic isolation. Today, Paraty is a peaceful hideaway with secluded beaches and its natural and architectural charm is well preserved as you'll notice walking through the historic center. The construction of its houses and churches reflect a period style and the mysterious masonry symbols which decorate its walls will lead your imagination back to a different time.

After a delicious breakfast, depart with your guide for a historical and cultural tour of the town. Unlike other colonial cities, the architecture of Paraty has character, originality and definition. The buildings have simple lines that draw the eye but the color and textures will tell the story of it's natural beauty. Paraty is also a Historic Patrimony because 65% of its area is inside of the National Park of Serra da Bocaina. The rest of the day is at leisure.

This morning you'll make your way to Ilha Grande by starting at the Angra dos Reis Pier and taking the ferry to Ilha Grande up to Abraão Village. (drive time to pier is approx 2 1/2 hrs. The driver will provide your ferry tickets) Upon arrival in Ilha Grande, you'll be met by your guide and walk about 10 minutes to the lodge. Settle in and enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure.

Have breakfast and depart on a boat tour with your guide to the Blue Lagoon. Here you will find beautiful spots which preserve the islands natural environment. The boat will stop in a lagoon between two islands that is graced with shallow clear waters, where you will find starfish and colorful fish that feed from your hands as you swim among the coral beds. The tour will continue with a stop at Freguesia de Santana Beach, where you will visit two outstanding beaches as well as the historic Santana Church (founded in 1796). Freguesia de Santana was the first spot in the island to be populated. In the last century it was the center of economic growth in the island and was home to a large colony of slaves. You will follow with a stop at Japariz Beach where you will have a break for lunch (not included). Return to the pier and your hotel for the rest of the day.

After breakfast, meet at the pier to take the ferry back to Angra dos Reis and then transfer to Rio de Janeiro. Originally established by the Portuguese in 1560 as a small, fortified settlement on the western side of Rio de Janeiro Bay, Rio's name means "River of January," a reference to the month it was founded. Enjoy your stay in this beautiful city.

After an early breakfast at the hotel, begin a full, carefully-paced, thoroughly informative tour of Rio. Stop first at Tijuca National Park, the largest urban forest on earth, continue to nearby Christ the Redeemer statue on Corcovado Mountain, and then to Sugar Loaf, the impressive granite rock "mountain" (made famous by James Bond.) Ride the cable car to the top, 400 meters above the city, with breathtaking views of Guanabara Bay, the city skyline and the mountains beyond.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast, and enjoy a last day in Rio. Explore some more, return to where you wanted to spend more time, do a little last minute souvenir shopping, or head to the beach to soak up the sun, surf and do some people watching. It doesn't get any better than Rio!

Price and Date Details

Land Cost:

From

$2,950

The cost quoted is the Land Cost and is subject to change. This covers accommodations, transfers, activities, touring, guide services and meals as described in Journeys' Trip Notes. The quoted Land Cost will apply when group size falls in the specified range and when travel is on the indicated dates.

Single Supplement:

$1,000

The single supplement is applicable if a roommate is not available or if single accommodation is specifically requested. While single accommodation is not available on all trips, we will try and honor this request whenever possible.

Dates:

Custom & private on your dates

Need to Know

Duration:

8 days

The number of days, or duration, in a destination corresponds with the itinerary as published. This is the time period covered by the land cost.

Expenses covered

Normally, our stated land costs include the cost of all guides, leaders, permits obtained after arrival, lodging accommodations, food and entry fees as specified, and all surface transportation associated with the planned itinerary. We do our best to avoid increasing prices after receipt of your deposit, but, rarely, factors beyond our control might require us to change our prices without prior notice, even after you have signed up.

Expenses not covered

Costs not included in the price may include: meals not indicated as included in itineraries; meals prior to arrival in starting cities; transfers, if not arriving or departing on the scheduled group flights; soft drinks, bottled water, and alcoholic beverages; medical expenses, costs of hospitalization, or evacuation from remote areas; laundry; airport departure taxes not included on your airline ticket; accommodations en route to starting cities; visas; airfares; gratuities; and insurance.

Pricing and Payment

For most group departures, the booking deposit is $500 per person per trip, though for some trips it may be more, as noted in the trip description. The minimum booking deposit requirement for custom trips is $800 per person, and this deposit is non-refundable. A trip-planning fee of $250 per itinerary is also charged to cover costs of preparing itinerary proposals for custom trips. This fee is credited to the cost of the trip, but is nonrefundable if you do not take the trip. Custom travel during holiday seasons may require a deposit prior to trip confirmation.

For both group departures and custom trips, a second deposit of $1,000 per person is due 120 days prior to departure or at the time of booking for reservations made fewer than 120 days before departure. The balance as shown on your invoice is due 60 days prior to departure regardless of whether extensions or other arrangements are pending. Late payments may jeopardize confirmation of your itinerary and in some cases may result in additional fees. If we have not received final payment 30 days prior to departure your reservation may be canceled and subject to our Cancellation & Refund Policy stated in the complete Terms & Conditions.

We accept payments by Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or check drawn on a U.S. bank account. Payment for airfare is required at the time of ticketing. Discounts that may be available for some trips are not available toward bookings made through travel agencies.​

Airfare

We can help you secure air travel arrangements to correspond with land travel booked through Journeys International. We work with an airfare consolidator to assist in booking the flights that suit your needs. If you decide to make your own flight arrangements, you must provide Journeys International with a complete copy of your itinerary showing departure and arrival flights and times. You should plan to arrange your own air travel if you are using mileage credit or originating outside North America, but please be in touch with our office before you finalize ticketing so that we can help you to coordinate the correct arrival and departure dates and times.

Insurance

When you make your application, we strongly recommend the purchase of comprehensive travel insurance in case of emergency situations. Please contact us for a recommended policy.

Itinerary Change Fee

There will be a $40 fee for changes once an itinerary has been confirmed and approved. Additional cancellation penalties or change fees may apply as per our terms and conditions. The passenger is responsible for such fees.

Trip Extensions

Taller than Niagara Falls and twice as wide, with 275 cascades spread in a horsehoe shape over nearly two miles of the Iguazu River, Iguazu Falls are the result of a volcanic eruption which left yet another large crack in the earth.
These matter-of-... read more

explore the map

From the Bird's Word Blog

August 17, 2017Journeys International Announces New Trips for 2018

The year was 1978, and Drs. Will and Joan Weber set off to Nepal with a group of curious souls who wanted to be immersed in and enlightened by a different culture in a very different part …